Modular multi-configurable display system

ABSTRACT

The modular multi-configurable display has a series of frames of graphical screens and provides variable positioning for appurtenances. In a preferred embodiment, the screen frames are sequentially positioned in a serpentine arrangement. The display includes a plurality of vertical columns, and horizontal members, including at least one arcuate member, and at least one linear member. The columns are capable of fixedly removably receiving the horizontal arcuate and linear members at each end of the columns. Each frame assembly is removably stackable with another frame assembly such that the vertical span of the display is adjustable. Each member component can be attached at various positioning locations to a frame assembly such that a myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to displays, and in particular, toa modular display system for the multi-configurable assembly of adisplay stand at a trade show or other exhibition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Trade shows have been common for some time as a means forcompanies to significantly expand their client base. Generally, a tradeshow exhibitor is allocated a specific limited space within a large hallin which to set up a booth or display. It has been common practice forthese exhibitors to purchase specially designed displays to showcasetheir products or services.

[0003] These conventional displays usually include a “back wall.” Thisback wall is set as the focal point for the exhibition. However, whilethese back walls have generally been readily available and portable,they are often very limited in their use and can be quite expensive. Forthe most part, the currently available back walls come in limitedconfigurations, with the display manufacturer designing a back wallspecifically for the exhibitor. Consequently, conventional back wallsare truly customized and are only capable of a limited number ofconfigurations. Rectangular paneled back walls are often the only realconfiguration option and the exhibitor is only able to modify the lookof the wall through the addition of furniture and shelves atpredetermined locations.

[0004] The lack of configuration flexibility is problematic. First,trade show facilities can vary greatly. The overall size and shape ofthe exhibit space is an important consideration. A small space mayrequire a reduction in the size of the back wall, while a larger spacemay present opportunities for the exhibitor to expand the wall and thedraw or appeal of the exhibited products or services. In addition, auniquely shaped booth space may present a problem for those exhibitorsutilizing conventional back wall displays since the wall cannot beconfigured to conform with the space.

[0005] Second, exhibitors may wish to periodically change theconfiguration of the back wall for non-functional reasons. An exhibitormay simply wish to have options available to vary the look of the backwall in order to highlight specific products, influence a particulartrade show audience, or for many other creative and aesthetic reasons.However, conventional back wall display systems are generally limited inthis respect.

[0006] Limited component shapes, such as those used in rectangular panelsystems, restrict the ability of an exhibitor to creatively configurethe wall. Consequently, there is a need for a display booth back wallsystem that includes various components of convenient interchangeableshapes and sizes that permit an exhibitor to assemble the wall in amyriad of modular configurations. In addition, the back wall system mustbe designed for ease of disassembly and portability to accommodate thedemands of trade show exhibitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The modular multi-configurable display system of the presentinvention includes multiple interchangeable components. Namely, thesystem includes a plurality of vertical columns, a plurality ofhorizontal truss members, including arcuate members, and a plurality oflinear member. The columns are capable of fixedly removably receivingthe horizontal arcuate and linear members at each end of the columns.Each column may be formed of one or typically two elongatd box framesthat are removably stackable and connectable with respect to each other.Each box frame has elongate frame members secured and braced withwebbing only at the ends. Whereby appurtenant components can be attachedat various positioning locations to a columns. Similarly, in a preferredembodiment, the trusses have only end webbing, no intermediate webbing,thereby providing substantially the entire length of the truss forattachment positions for appurtenances. A myriad of modularconfiguration combinations are available to an exhibitor.

[0008] A significant advantage and feature of the modularmulti-configurable display system of the present invention is thatconfiguration options are increased to accommodate an exhibitor'sspecific needs or creative desires.

[0009] Another significant advantage and feature of the presentinvention is its modular interchangeability and connectability. Eachmodular component (i.e., the arcuate and linear members) is inconnectable communication with other components of identical ordifferent design through an intermediary connection with a frameassembly. Common connectability with a frame assembly permitsflexibility in defining the overall shape and size of the display wall.In addition, a specific component is not directed or limited to aparticular connection position, or to an individually designated frameassembly. This significantly increases the ease of assembly anddecreases the time associated with assembly and disassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display in accordance with theinvention herein.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a framework for a display.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a exploded view of a column in accordance with theinvention herein.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connection between a elongatebox frame and a truss.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a stamping for forming an end webbing.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a elongate box frame, a truss anda graphic screen.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a elongate box frame andappurtenance attachment means.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a table adjustably mounted on aelongate box frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display 20 suitable back wall oftrade show exhibits is illustrated. FIG. 2 illustrates the framework 22for the display and is generally comprised of a plurality of verticalcolumns 24 and a plurality of trusses 26 that are combined to form aseries of graphical screen window frames 30 defining a plurality ofgraphical screen windows or openings 32. The window frames are generallylayed out in a sequential manner to form a structurally stable displaydue to the serpentine shape.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, a portion of a vertical column 24 isillustrated. The column is composed of two elongated box frames 40. Eachbox frame in a preferred embodiment is comprised of four framed segmentsformed from square steel tubing. Each framed segment has a first end 46and a second end 48. Each of the respective first ends of the fourframed segments is joined together by an end webbing 50 as well as arethe second ends 48. The ends of the tubing are opened defining a socket56 which facilitates connection to another elongated box frame or to atruss. Said connections are facilitated by connector pieces in lineconnectors 60 as illustrated in FIG. 3 or right angle connectors 62 asillustrated in FIG. 4. The ends of the elongate box frames also havethreaded portions 64 configured as nuts welded onto the ends 48 of thesteel tubing frame segments in which set screws 70 are inserted toattach onto the connectors 60, 62. The connectors will preferably haveindentations 7, 4 at the set screw location points. The right angleconnectors may also have threaded bores 78 for attachment of feet 80 orother appurtenances.

[0020] A piece of sheet steel is illustrated in FIG. 5, which issuitable for forming the end webbing. The end webbing is welded ontoeach of the four tubular frame segments to form an optimally strong andlight structure.

[0021] Significantly, the elongated box frames have an intermediateportion 84 positioned intermediate the box frame ends; said intermediateportion does not have any webbing or bracing. This facilitates four“clean” frame segments for attachments of appurtenances and forproviding an aethetically pleasing and uncluttered look.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, details of the horizontal trussesare illustrated. These trusses may be linear in configuration asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 1 or may be arcuate as illustrated in FIGS. 6and 1. In either case, the trusses have frame segments 102

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the horizontal trusses are utilized forconnection of the graphic screen panels which due to the positioning ofthe U-shaped webbing 106 on the bottom of the bottom truss and the topof the top truss allows positioning of the screens in four positions asidentified by the arrows labeled as A, B, C and D in FIG. 6. Thisprovides an extraordinary amount of flexibility in mounting thegraphical screen to provide a variety of desired configurations.

[0024] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, andit is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention. webbing, and further provides anaesthetically pleasing configuration. Although the end “webbing” asillustrated is formed of a single unitary piece, it is also contemplatedthat the webbing could be formed of individual strips bridging adjacentframe segments. Thus “webbing” is defined as the structure securingsegments together, whether a single unitary piece or multiple pieces.

[0025] Significantly, the elongated box frames have an intermediateportion 89 positioned intermediate the box frame ends; said intermediateportion does not have any webbing or bracing. This facilitates four“clean” frame segments for variable positioning of appurtenances, asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and for providing an aestheticallypleasing and uncluttered look. In an ideal embodiment the cleanintermediate portion without webbing will constitute 70 percent or moreof the length of the box frame

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, details of the horizontal trusses26 are illustrated. These trusses 26 may be linear in configuration asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 1 or may be arcuate as illustrated in FIGS. 6and 1. In either case, the trusses have parallel frame segments 102connected by webbing 106. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the horizontaltrusses 26 are utilized for connection of the graphic screen panelswhich, due to the positioning of the U-shaped webbing 106 on the bottomof the bottom truss and the top of the top truss, allows positioning ofthe screens in four positions as identified by the arrows labeled as A,B, C and D in FIG. 6. This provides an extraordinary amount offlexibility in mounting the graphical screen. The horizontal trusses, inan alternate embodiment of the display may utilize conventional webbing106 as illustrated by the dashed lines of FIG. 4.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular multi-configurable display wall, themodular display system comprising: a plurality of columns arranged in aseries of columns, each column having a top and a bottom and comprisedof at least one elongated box frame, each box frame comprising fourelongate frame segments and end webbing connecting the ends, theelongate frame segments arranged as a parallelepiped without webbingintermediate the end webbing; a plurality of pairs of connectinghorizontal trusses, each horizontal truss comprised of a pair ofparallel elongate frame segments each pair connecting between adjacentcolumns forming a plurality of open graphic screen frames intermediateeach adjacent two columns.
 2. The modular multi-configurable displaywall of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pairs of connecting horizontaltrusses further comprise arcuate trusses each comprised of a pair ofarcuate frame segments.
 3. The modular multi-configurable display wallof claim 1 wherein the plurality of pairs of connecting horizontaltrusses further comprise linear trusses, each linear truss comprised ofa pair of linear frame segments.
 4. The modular display system of claim1, wherein the ends of the plurality of elongated frame assemblies arecapable of joining the arcuate frame members and the linear framemembers at one of four perpendicularly proximate locations.
 5. Themodular display system of claim 1, wherein each column is comprised oftwo stacked elongate box frames.
 6. The modular display system of claim1, wherein each of the frame segments of each of the trusses compriserectangular tubing.
 7. The modular display system of claim 1, furthercomprising a screen mounting apparatus for removably mounting a screento the display wall, the screen mounting apparatus comprising a frameclasping attachment portion, the frame clasping portion being removablysecurable to the horizontal trusses; a screen material attachmentportion, the screen attachment portion capable of fixedly receiving anend portion of the screen such that substantially the entire length ofthe end portion of the screen is fixedly received; and an elasticportion, wherein the elastic portion is intermediately joining the frameclasping portion and the screen attachment portion such that appropriateforce upon the screen attachment portion results in an appropriatespring-like displacement of the apparatus.
 8. The modular display systemof claim 1, further comprising a unitary-bodied selectively removableframe attachment securable to the elongate frame segments for receivingshelving brackets, the frame attachment comprising: a grasping portionbeing generally u-shaped for fitting substantially around the elongateframe segment; a bracing portion in perpendicular opposition to thegrasping portion for limiting movement of the received hooked bracket;and a slot portion having a plurality of vertically spaced apertureslots for receiving the hooked brackets such that an end of the receivedhooked bracket continues some distance past the slot for limitingmovement of the frame attachment from the elongate frame segment.
 9. Amodular multi-configurable display wall, the modular display systemcomprising: a plurality of columns arranged in a series of columns, eachcolumn having a top and a bottom and comprised of at least one elongatedbox frame, each box frame comprising at least three elongate framesegments and end webbing connecting the ends, the frame membersgenerally defining a polyhedron without webbing intermediate the endwebbing; a plurality of pairs of connecting horizontal trusses, eachtruss comprised of a plurality of parallel elongate frame segments withwebbing extending therebetween, each truss connecting between adjacentcolumns forming a plurality of open graphic screen frames intermediateeach adjacent two columns.